Are you looking for the best dog bike trailer? For this test report, we examined 5 bike trailers for dogs and also took the opinions of experts into account. Here are our results.

Our Top Picks

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Buying Guide

When it comes to a dog bike trailer, it’s about providing your pet with a sensible and safe place during the ride.

You should be aware that neither humans nor animals enjoy being in a cramped space on bumpy roads for an extended period.

For this reason, you should ensure that your four-legged friend has enough space during the ride.

Before buying, measure your pet properly and then compare the size with that of the dog trailer. This way, you ensure that your dog has enough space.

A dog bike trailer can be used for various purposes.

Typical areas of use include short city trips such as shopping, to the vet, or longer rides in the great outdoors.

Each model has its own advantages and can withstand different levels of load.

You should make sure that the weight of your furry friend does not exceed the maximum load capacity.

A good dog bike trailer is designed to provide high safety even in the autumn and winter months or during rides in darkness and twilight.

Reflectors and safety flags can provide additional protection for your furry friend.

It is helpful if you have the option to buy individual spare parts. Good manufacturers of bike trailers for dogs usually also offer spare couplings. This saves a lot of money in the end.

If you want to know exactly, you should take a look at the tires.

If you mostly ride on uneven paths and in the forest with your bike, wide and larger wheels are definitely the better choice. Narrower tires are sufficient for rides in the city.

Good to know: You attach a dog trailer to your bike with a special coupling.

This way, you pull it behind your bike. It is designed to provide the highest protection for your dog during the ride.

This naturally means that the trailer must be made of certain materials. They should not only be water-resistant but also easy to clean.

In addition, the seat surfaces should be padded. You should also be able to close the object with Velcro or a zipper. This prevents your dog from jumping out.

1. Types of Dog Bike Trailers

With dog trailers, we differentiate between models with two or three wheels.

The additional wheel ensures optimal stability.

You can also use this version for jogging. This way, you can run with the dog trailer at your side or pull it behind you.

In addition, you will also come across dog bike trailers for large and small animals in stores. In the end, it always depends on your individual needs and those of your loyal companion.

2. How to Get Your Dog Accustomed

Once you’ve found the right trailer, your furry friend needs some time to get used to the new mode of transportation.

How quickly this happens depends on your furry friend.

Many pets are very curious and open. They have no problem engaging with new objects.

In such a case, a few exercises are enough to get your little buddy into the new trailer in no time.

For other animals, however, you need to be more patient, as they are often very skeptical of new objects. Normally, this problem can also be quickly resolved.

It’s best to use a few treats or their favorite toys.

Place the trailer at home or in your garden first and give your pet the opportunity to slowly approach the new object.

You can place treats nearby and then gradually shorten the distance.

In the end, your four-legged friend should enter the dog trailer on their own when you put treats inside.

Once that’s done, you’re ready for the ride!

3. Trailer Assembly

At first glance, dog trailers and child bike trailers seem to have a lot in common.

However, we advise against using a child bike trailer for your pet.

Likewise, we do not recommend using a dog trailer for a child. These facts are mainly due to the structure and safety measures.

Here’s everything important about assembly:

Coupling:

The coupling provides the direct connection between the bike and the dog trailer. It is usually located on the left side of the axle at the rear wheel.

You must screw the coupling to the bike and the dog bike trailer using a drawbar. Safety tension lines can improve safety by additionally securing the coupling and drawbar.

Tires:

The type of tires directly affects the comfort and safety for the cyclist and the four-legged friend. Typically, the wheels are between 12 and 20 inches in size. The larger the tires and the wider the profile, the better the transport is suitable for uneven paths.

By the way, in the market, you will encounter many transport options for four-legged friends where you can inflate the tires with a car valve.

Frame:

The core of the dog transport is the frame. A high-quality dog bike trailer has a lightweight aluminum frame that does not rust quickly and is also stable. The many advantages of the upper material come into their own the more stable the frame is.

Safety Leash:

The safety leash should normally be a must for every dog transport. This way, you can additionally secure your four-legged friend so that they cannot jump out with the air grid open. We recommend attaching the safety leash to the dog harness.

Floor Tray:

The floor tray contributes to high seating comfort and allows good cushioning. In addition, it should be sufficiently load-bearing to support the weight of your four-legged friend.

4. Most Important Buying Criteria

Buying a dog bike trailer is unfortunately not as easy as you might think. You have to think about it beforehand.

Are you on a longer trip? Then it can be very tiring for you to pull the trailer with the dog behind you.

In this case, you should opt for the lightest and most compact model possible.

Models that are of higher quality usually have an aluminum frame. Since this is very light, the trailer will not weigh more than 33 pounds (15 kilograms).

In addition, your dog inside the trailer must be able to sit upright and lie down comfortably.

Recommendable are models that have suspension. This way, your little dog is protected from shocks or other irregularities on open terrain.

Furthermore, you should be able to assemble the dog bike trailer quickly and easily. This means that no tools should be required for assembly and disassembly.

Ideally, you should also be able to fold it up quickly and easily. This way, you can store it in the basement or in your vehicle in a space-saving manner.

5. Remaining Buying Criteria

The dog bike trailer should be designed to accommodate the weight of your dog. If your dog exceeds the permissible maximum weight, it can pose a risk of accident.

Additionally, you should consider whether you also want to use it for jogging.

It’s also important that the trailer is made of non-toxic materials. Your furry friend should not have allergies to the selected material.

Ideally, it should be equipped with an insect screen and a waterproof cover. This way, you can protect your pet from the elements.

6. Finding the Right Model

Before buying, consider how large and sturdy the new transport should be for your furry friend.

First, your pet should have enough space, and the trailer for a large dog should have a third wheel.

Then you need to determine how often you actually want to use the trailer. If you only use it once or twice a month, a more expensive purchase is of course out of the question.

Another important question is whether you even need the dog trailer. Typically, a larger dog should be able to cover longer distances on foot.

However, if your pet is already old or in poor health, it makes sense to invest in a dog bike trailer.

Finally, you also need to see if your four-legged friend can sit still for an extended period.

If your furry friend is lively and energetic, it’s questionable whether they will feel comfortable inside. Under no circumstances should you force your pet into the carrier.

7. Safety Tips for Riding

When riding, attach the leash to the dog’s harness, not the collar. Otherwise, your dog could be choked.

It’s very important for their safety that they get used to the new carrier.

Occasionally, take a break during the ride and let your four-legged friend out.

After some time, they will surely feel the urge to move around. Give them a break and offer them some water to drink.

When you’re ready to resume the ride, you can put them back in. But don’t forget to properly close the dog bike trailer.

What are the Load Capacities for Dog Trailers?

Before buying, measure your dog first. Once you have the measurements, you can choose the appropriate model. In this regard, distinctions are often made based on weight and load capacity.

You can use the following guidelines:

Once you’ve decided on the model, you can easily order it from an online shop. Please also pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Product Reviews in Detail

🥇 Top Recommendation

This beautiful dog bike trailer is offered in three sizes and is made of durable, easy-to-clean polyester. It features a sturdy metal frame and wheels equipped with a quick attachment system. Mesh inserts ensure good air circulation.

Front and rear doors provide wind and rain protection. Stripes and reflectors ensure better visibility in darkness. Two side pockets provide space for essentials, treats, and water. Additionally, the padded floor liner is removable for washing.

Premium Recommendation

This dog bike trailer features a steel frame with steel wheels and an anti-slip mat. It has a zipper at the top opening and side, front, and rear protective nets. It also has metal eyelets for securing your dog. Finally, it can also be used as a jogger.

Best Value Recommendation

This dog trailer impresses with high safety features. It has reflectors on all four sides, ensuring high safety in darkness. There are two reflectors per wheel. The lightweight and compatible hitch are also secured. The safety flag guarantees better visibility.

Due to the universal hitch, this dog bike trailer is suitable for most bicycles. When not in use, the wheels can be easily removed for transport. Additionally, a surrounding mosquito net provides high safety and good ventilation.

2 in 1 Alternative

This dog bike trailer features a bicycle drawbar with axle coupling and front wheel. Entry and exit points are large enough to allow easy access for your dog. Furthermore, the interior is spacious. It can be quickly assembled without tools. Additionally, there is an extra pocket at the entrance. Finally, this dog bike trailer also features several reflectors, located on the front and rear as well as on the rear wheels.

For Small Dogs

This dog bike trailer not only impresses with excellent value for money but also with a non-slip and easy-to-clean plastic floor.

Lockable mosquito nets at the front and rear provide easy entry. In heavy rain, the dog bike trailer can be covered with a clear plastic sheet. For safety, there is a red-orange warning flag, reflectors on the front and rear, and two yellow spoke reflectors on the wheels.

Conclusion

There is nothing better than exploring the world together with your dog. A high-quality dog bike trailer provides comfort and safety for your dog, allowing you to fully focus on your adventures.

Whether you are in the city or in nature, a good dog bike trailer ensures that your dog is always comfortably and safely accommodated.
When making a purchase, make sure the trailer is large enough, has good ventilation, and is robustly built – so you can enjoy many unforgettable trips together.

And don’t forget: Practice makes perfect – take your time to get used to the dog bike trailer and then enjoy the freedom and adventure on two wheels together!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which manufacturers offer dog bike trailers?

Here is a list of the manufacturers that we have shortlisted. Most of them have been featured in our individual reviews.

Has Consumer Reports conducted any tests yet?

Unfortunately, Consumer Reports has not yet conducted any tests on dog bike trailers.

Where can I buy dog bike trailers?

We have checked and compared numerous shops during our research.

We focused on criteria such as best price, shipping conditions, and reliability. The following stores performed the best.

At least one of the mentioned stores is linked above with the recommendations. In today’s world, we recommend an online shop like Amazon or eBay.

During our research, we found the best price here. Additionally, you have the convenience of having the goods shipped to your home free of charge. You can be sure to receive your goods.

The specialty retailer has a smaller range, the bestsellers are often out of stock, and you even save on travel costs and valuable time. For us, a clear advantage.